Things to Do in Melbourne in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
High Season · Book Early
December Weather in Melbourne
Long-run averages for December
76°F (24°C)
High Temp
54°F (12°C)
Low Temp
2.1 inches (53 mm)
Rainfall
61%
Humidity
7
Rainy Days
12
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Extreme UV radiation. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) is medically advised for all outdoor activity.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The light lingers. Sunsets at 8:45 PM mean beach walks after dinner are yours for the taking, and that evening glow, that soft gold washing over bluestone laneways, is something Melbourne claims only in high summer.
- + The city clears out. Locals bolt for the coast, so tables at 30-year-old Italian joints in Carlton open up without bookings. Trams south to St Kilda run almost roomy.
- + Everything opens. Everything happens. Rooftop bars on Bourke Street hit full stride, outdoor cinemas screen in the Botanical Gardens, and the Yarra River turns into a floating picnic ground with paddleboards and kayaks.
- + Produce peaks now. Taste it in stone fruit at Queen Victoria Market, in tomatoes at any proper pizza place, in local wines that suddenly taste brighter and more generous.
Considerations
- − Peak season means city center accommodation books out months ahead. Room rates show it. You'll pay a clear premium to stay inside the tram network.
- − The famous 'four seasons in one day' is real, and December amplifies it. A brilliant 76°F (24°C) morning can flip to blustery and cool by afternoon, with sudden showers that soak you if you're caught unprepared.
- − Major day trips, the Great Ocean Road, clog up. Well-known viewpoints crowd by mid-morning. Parking at the Twelve Apostles lookout becomes competitive sport.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
In Melbourne, December brings the confident onset of summer. The midday sun over the city's grid of streets feels warm on the skin. The light lingers long into the evening, casting a golden hue over the Yarra River and the sandstone facades of Flinders Street Station. While the Southern Hemisphere's holiday season means some shops may have limited hours around the public holidays, the overall tempo of the city is one of relaxed outdoor living. In Melbourne, this often means seeking the cool respite of the many gardens, like the Royal Botanic Gardens where the large lawns are dotted with groups lounging under the dappled shade of English elms, or heading towards the bayside suburbs where a salty breeze cuts through the warmth. The climate is mild compared to the peak heat of January and February, making it a comfortable time for exploring the city's distinct lanes and arcades before the full intensity of summer arrives. The weather in Melbourne during December is generally agreeable for a wide range of activities. With an average high of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, days are pleasantly warm without being oppressive, good for walking between the bluestone alleyways where the scent of freshly brewed coffee from a tucked-away roastery mingles with the distant rumble of trams. Evenings require a light layer as the temperature drops to an average low of 54 degrees, good for sitting at an open-air table where you might hear the clink of wine glasses and taste local cheeses. The month sees about two inches of rainfall, which typically comes as brief, passing showers that leave the city's many parks looking vividly green and refreshed. For those considering what to do in Melbourne, the longer days and stable conditions make December a prime month for venturing beyond the urban center. The surrounding regions, from the dramatic coastline to the lush valleys, are at their most accessible and inviting. The following curated experiences, ranging from intimate private tours to essential services, are designed to help visitors navigate and spend time in the character of Melbourne and its environs during this specific season.
Private Great Ocean Road - The Ultimate Aussie Adventure
otherA Private Great Ocean Road tour in December offers the dramatic coastline under clear summer skies. You'll feel the ocean spray as you stand before the towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles and hear the crash of the Southern Ocean against the cliffs. The winding road itself offers glimpses of dense, eucalyptus-scented rainforests that run right to the edge of the sea.
This journey delivers the raw, monumental beauty of Victoria's coast with the flexibility to pause at lesser-known lookouts and coves only a private tour can provide.
Insider tip: Request an early departure from Melbourne to reach the Apostles ahead of the majority of coach tours, securing a quieter experience and the best morning light for photographs.
Relaxed Half Day Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Melbourne
foodThe Relaxed Half Day Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour transports you from the city into a landscape of rolling vineyards under the December sun. You'll taste the region's signature cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay in cellar doors that often open onto views of sunny rows of vines, and might sample a local artisan cheese paired with your wine.
It provides a condensed yet immersive introduction to one of Australia's premier wine regions, good for those with limited time who don't want to miss the flavors of the valley.
Insider tip: Focus your questions at each winery on the current vintage releases, as December often follows the spring bottling, offering a first taste of the new season's wines.
4 Hour Private Tour of Melbourne's Iconic Highlights with Guide
private_tourA 4 Hour Private Tour of Melbourne's Iconic Highlights is an efficient way to grasp the city's layout and stories. Your guide can lead you from the echoing, cathedral-like space of Flinders Street Station's main concourse, through the hidden laneways where you'll see busy street art covering brick walls, and into the tranquil Royal Arcade to hear the soft chime of the giant clock figures.
This customized pace allows for deep examinations of Melbourne's history and culture at sites that large groups simply pass by.
Insider tip: Ask your guide to include a stop at a specific architectural detail that fascinates you, such as the stained glass in Block Arcade or the façade of the Manchester Unity Building, for a personalized narrative.
Mornington Peninsula Day Tour. Your Day Your Way. Your group only
guided_experienceThe Mornington Peninsula Day Tour presents a choose-your-own-adventure along this varied coastline and hinterland. You could spend a morning walking a path fringed by coastal tea-trees, their leaves releasing a sharp, clean scent in the sea air, and an afternoon sipping a pale ale at a microbrewery located among hills.
It hands you the reins to craft a day that well matches your interests, whether that's coastal scenery, gardens, or local produce, across this richly varied region.
Insider tip: If visiting the Peninsula's famous hot springs, book your bathing time in advance online, even with a private tour, as the geothermal pools can reach capacity quickly on warm December days.
Airport Transfers - Chauffeur Car & Limo Services of Melbourne
transportAirport Transfers by Chauffeur Car & Limo Services of Melbourne offers an easy, stress-free beginning or end to your visit. After the long flight, you'll step into a cool, quiet vehicle for a smooth ride into the city, watching the shift from airport scrub to suburban sprawl and finally the high-rise skyline.
It guarantees a reliable and comfortable transition to or from the airport, removing the uncertainty of finding a taxi or navigating public transport with luggage.
Insider tip: Confirm your booking the day before your flight, around the end of December when holiday travel peaks and demand for all transport services increases.
Mornington Peninsula Gourmet Full-Day Private Tour
day_tripThe Mornington Peninsula Gourmet Full-Day Private Tour is a dedicated culinary exploration. You'll taste oysters pulled straight from the cool bay waters, sample olive oils pressed from groves basking in the summer sun, and finish with a glass of sparkling wine at a vineyard overlooking the entire peninsula.
It connects you directly with the producers and landscapes behind some of the region's most celebrated food and drink.
Insider tip: Communicate any specific dietary passions to your guide beforehand, be it cheese, craft cider, or chocolate, so they can tailor some stops to these interests beyond the standard itinerary.
Where to Stay in Melbourne in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Known in English as St. Stephen's Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Known in English as St. Stephen's Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Known in English as St. Stephen's Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Melbourne Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The best beach isn't in St Kilda. Take the train from Flinders Street to Frankston, then a bus to Mt Eliza. The string of beaches along Canadian Bay Road have sand, calm water, and barely a tourist in sight.
Want a rooftop bar view without the crowd? Skip the famous ones. Head to the bar at the Carlton Club hotel on Bourke Street. It's older, quieter, and you'll be surrounded by locals after work.
On a scorching day, escape underground. The State Library of Victoria is not only impressive. But its reading rooms are blissfully cool. The smell of old books is a welcome change from hot asphalt.
Don't queue for brunch. Melburnians do, religiously. Instead, go for a 'second breakfast' around 10:30 AM, or find a Vietnamese bakery in Richmond or Footscray for a banh mi and an iced coffee - it's cheaper, faster, and just as delicious.
Avoid These Mistakes
Underestimating the distance and time for day trips. The Great Ocean Road is a full, tiring day. Phillip Island is a three-hour round trip. Trying to do both in a short visit is a recipe for exhaustion.
Packing only for heat. That 54°F (12°C) low is real, if you're waiting for penguins or walking along the bay at night. You will be cold if you're just in shorts and a t-shirt.
Relying on ride-shares in the city center on weekend evenings. Increase pricing is brutal, and the gridlock is real. The trams are free within the CBD - figure out the route and use them.
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